There are two bridges at this crossing. The old bridge consists of a single railroad track and two commercial lanes, one in each direction. The new bridge expansion consists of four lanes, two in each direction. It is used exclusively for noncommercial vehicles. The southbound pedestrian sidewalk is located on the old bridge, while the northbound pedestrian sidewalk is located on the new bridge expansion.

The crossing is also known locally as Brownsville and Matamoros Bridge, B y M (Cruce de Ferrocarril y Vehículos), Puente Viejo and the Express Bridge.

History

The bridge stopped processing northbound commercial vehicles on April 30, 1999. Per agreement between the U.S. State Department and the Mexican Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores, southbound commercial vehicles were processed only until December 30, 1999. At that time, all commercial vehicles began using the Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates.

The B&M Bridge is privately owned by the B&M Bridge Company, a subsidiary of the Union Pacific Railroad, and the Federal Government of Mexico. Identified needs include improvements to signage within the bridge study area and improvements to prevent flooding.

Recommendations

At the end of the study, improvements will be recommended based upon identified needs of the border crossings. If you would like to comment on the study, please email us.